maybe too many calories? I had a similar issue, however, it did not hit me until after the bike. My plan called for 2 3hr bottles of Perpetuem to last 6+ hrs. I broke a basic rule by also taking a bottle of Perform at each aid station. Although I did well in the bike, when I came off of it, I was bloated. Should have stayed put for a half hour or force myself to throw up but instead, attempted to run. This resulted in a long marathon. The only difference between training and race was the number of calories which I increased by 1200 by taking in the IM Perform.

Salt Stick caps have 215 mg of sodium per cap. That's a hell of a lot of pills to get you to 1200 mg. IJS

Well "coach".... I'm sticking to what works. Between salt, gels, "other" major calorie source I was def in the clear. No cramping, nothing near cramping. First IM, first marathon after first 1/2 Ironman. If anything, the amount of porta-can stops on the run was the major time limiter, not a lack of sodium.

Wait, you stopped to pee? Wow, I'm feeling worse and worse for those that were following me. Then again, what do I know?

I think too much protein may have been a factor. And maybe too much solid food? I have buddies who rely primarily on liquid calories (perpetuem) and do ok. I guess that might be something for me to experiment with going forward. I also hadn't thought of the idea of sports drinks absorbing faster into my body than water.

Whoa, you meant business on this one...congrats on your finish and "badge of honor"

@Li0nel1234 - I can't speak for everyone (as far as where everyone went), but I know I had to get back to "real" life after being beyond deep into IMTX for the last few months ...or they have moved on to the next race. Afterall, it's early tri season and we have all of this fitness to exploit. Next race up (olympic) in 7 weeks!